Lower KernThe Dam Run - Slippery Rock BLM Launch below Isabella Dam to Hobo Campground.The Dam Run, also known as the BLM Run, or the "first day of the Lower," is one of a limited number of moderate class III whitewater runs on the Kern River. The run is characterized by scenic low walled granite gorges, and swirly water. There are several places where boaters must be very wary of trees and brush in and along the river. This growth is due in part to the diversion of water from Lake Isabella in the Borel Canal to the Borel Powerplant. The flow on this run is normally about 600 cfs less than the total release from Lake Isabella. Although the run is rated class III, it is not a good run for novice boaters unless they are accompanied by more experienced boaters. Two of the rapids on this run are rated class III+, but as many boaters may flip in the swirly water, as in the rapids. Some of the more difficult rapids include:
The Lower - Miracle Hot Springs to Democrat take-out. (Alternate take-out or put-in at Delonegha Boat Launch.)HAZARD: IMPORTANT NOTE - CLICK HERE! August 11, 2008. Miracle to Democrat - Lower Kern: A boater reports a log on the top drop of Pinball, as well as some logs in the river. This debris could create additional hazards, so be sure your lines are clear. HAZARD: IMPORTANT NOTE - CLICK HERE! June 5, 2008. Miracle to Democrat - Lower Kern: A boater reports that the center drop of Pinball is no-go due to a huge tree in the rapid. According to the report the tree can be avoided by going to the far right, and then working back left to avoid a second smaller hazard (strainer), mid-river at the bottom of Pinball. HAZARD: IMPORTANT NOTE - CLICK HERE! June 16, 2007. Miracle to Democrat - Lower Kern: A log was reported wedged just below the "goal posts" on White Maidens, about two-thirds of the way through the rapid. The log was underwater on 6/16/07 when the flow at Borel was reported to be 615 cfs. When Upper Kern flows drop below 1000 cfs many boaters shift their attention to "The Lower." This excellent 11 mile run has much to offer. With the exception of Royal Flush (V-VI), which is normally portaged, the major rapids are straightfoward, but exhilarating class IV. Kayaking playspots can be found throughout the run. Hobo Campground is just upstream of Miracle Hot Springs, and Sandy Flat Camground is about a mile upstream. There is a $5.00 day use fee for parking at Miracle or Sandy Flat. There is no day use parking at Hobo. The Delonegha Boat Launch and River Access has been completed and provides an alternate take-out or put-in just downstream of the Delonegha bridge, and upstream of Surprise Rapid. The access point is approximately 7 miles downstream of the Hobo Rapid put-in and 4 miles upstream of the Democrat takeout. The day use area is accessible from both the east and west sides of Highway 178. Some of the more difficult rapids include:
Kern Below Democrat (Cataracts of the Kern)Cadillacs - Richbar - Cataracts - KR1 The Forest Service "discouraged" boating on the Kern Below Democrat Dam until 1995. Even so, the run now known as the Richbar Run was done from time to time by local boaters and visiting dignitaries such as Lars Holbeck. Keith Beck, with boating partners Phil Martin and Glen Troness, began probing the Kern below Democrat in the early eighties, and around 1984 had done most of the Kern below Democrat, including the stretch below the KR1 powerhouse. Keith reports,
Keith also noted that communication was poor among boaters (no Internet!) and that others, including Mark Richey and Kevin Mokracek, were running some sections of the Kern below Democrat at about the same time. Southern California Edison normally diverts 400+ cfs at Democrat Dam, usually reducing the flow on the Cadillacs, Richbar and Cataracts sections of the river. (Note: According to SCE, there will be no diversion at Democrat for several months, while maintenance is done at the KR1 powerhouse. This work is scheduled to be completed May 1, 2006.) In the Fall of 1995, as a result the FERC relicensing of the KR1 powerhouse, the AWA initiated a whitewater flow study by WRC Environmental. In part the study was to evaluate desirable flow levels and to access the recreational potential of the stretch of river below Democrat. At the time of this study, the Forest Service reversed their position and said that as long as the usual Kern River boating permit is obtained, it is not illegal to boat on the Cataracts. The WRC flow study concluded the following regarding flow levels on the stretch below Democrat Dam and upstream of the KR1 powerhouse. The figures specified are for actual flow, i.e. the release to the Lower less 400 cfs. The "Flow below Democrat Dam" can usually be obtained from the SCE Kern River flow phone at 1-877-537-6356.
See KR1 Relicensing Update for additional information. Coincident with the flow study and rediscovery of this "new" whitewater resource, kayaker Rocky Contos ran most of the rapids from Democrat Dam to the mouth of Kern Canyon. Rocky's accounts of running the Cataracts thrilled everyone reading his rec.boats.paddle newsgroup postings. Some of the more exciting stories were included in an article about the Cataracts in the March-April, 1996, AWA Journal, written by Richard Penny, with Rocky Contos and Keith Beck. Following is a link to an archived PDF of Rocky's descriptions (47K) from 1995. These were originally published in the Kern River section of the "The River Pages Project" on the old American Whitewater Online web site. Much has changed in kayaking since 1995, but the Kern Below Democrat remains a somewhat enigmatic and inscrutable section of river. The long boating season of 2004-2005 renewed interest in the Cataracts and in the Fall of 2005 Brett Valle (boof.com) got together with Eric Giddens (Olympic kayaker) and JD Batove (Bakersfield class V boater) and did a few runs on the KBD. You can read Brett's impressions in his calrios blog, and Eric's in his Kern Cadillacs and Cataracts Trip Report (PDF, 1.4Mb). Cadillacs - Democrat Dam to Toilet Bowl RapidThis section was deemed the "Cadillacs" because of the number of wrecked cars that have plunged into the streambed from the notorious curves of highway 178. The run starts below Democrat Dam and ends at Toilet Bowl rapid, a chilling class V+ rapid that looks particularly awesome to tired boaters headed home on highway 178. Richbar Run - Toilet Bowl to Nude BeachIn general the rapids on this reach are more demanding than similarly rated rapids on the Lower, upstream of Democrat Dam. More maneuvering is required and the lines are somewhat more technical, with more serious consequences for botched moves. There are more rocks in the flow. A good roll is a must. Some boaters put-in at a convenient turnout below Toilet Bowl, others bypass the most difficult whitewater by putting in below Lucas Creek Falls. Several rapids should be scouted. The first major rapid, the Fin, is often carried. The second, Island Falls, is generally considered to be class IV on the far left and class V on the far right.There is a portage at Lucas Creek Falls. Watch out for cars!! The Cataracts - Nude Beach to Powerhouse KR1
KR1 - Powerhouse KR1 to Mouth of the CanyonMore difficult class V's and some carries -- rarely done. Kern Below Rio BravoRio Bravo Run - Rancheria Road Run - Ming Lake to Oildale Rio Bravo Run - Mouth of the Canyon to Rancheria RoadThis run has been essentially destroyed by the construction of Rio Bravo dam. Rancheria Road - Rancheria Road to Ming LakeClass II except for one class III. At one point the river splits around an island. Watch out for brush and trees. Ming Lake - Ming Lake to Oildale |
